1st Feb 2006, 20:29

I would like to find out more about the three items mentioned here that will give me more HP and MPG. I just purchased a 2002 Protege and am very interested in these improvements. My e-mail is loupaulo21@rogers.com. Thank's for any info you can provide.

2002 Mazda Protege LX 2.0L DOHC 16v from North America

Summary:

This little car is a BIG deal!

Faults:

Okay, I ran over something and demolished the oil pan at just the right spot for it to cost me a whole lotta cash. This was not a factory problem, but the cash that I had to fork out was. Anywhere else I think I could have gotten a better deal on the repair, but if you want genuine Mazda parts that will last, I suggest going to the dealer to fix it. (Routine air filter changes can be expensive, too.)

The only other problem I'm having is that the paint chips easily on the front and rear bumpers.

General Comments:

This car has so much cargo space for everything you need. It's comfy to sit in and the cruise control lets your feet rest. Everything in the cargo spacing is very easy access, and the 60/40 back seat split is great for bigger things that can't quite fit in the large trunk space.

The upholstery and dashboard materials are not cheap looking like most small cars in its class.

My backseat passengers especially love the windows that roll all the way down, instead of the traditional 1/2 way. Backseat passengers also have safety in the middle seat because of the lap and shoulder belt. Try and find that in another small car!

16th Aug 2004, 07:48

The Mazda air filter isn't any more effective than an aftermarket one from a reputable brand. Save yourself wasted time and money by changing them yourself. All you need is a socket (10mm for a 1st generation protege, I don't know about yours) and 2-3 minutes.

2002 Mazda Protege 5 2.0. from North America

Summary:

Faults:

The clutch and flywheel were replaced at 45,000km as per a Mazda TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) due to "chattering" when taking off from a stop.

The rear Mazda emblem corroded due to salt and was replaced at about 50,000km.

The driver's side sun visor wouldn't stay up so it was replaced at 70,000km or so.

The rims have chipped and bubbled badly, my dealer says that they won't replace them. I'm going to fight them on this one, I have the extended warranty until 160,000km.

General Comments:

There is no other car I would have bought in this class. I love it.

The fit and finish is incredible, with the exception of the easily chipped paint.

The factory stereo was quickly replaced with an Alpine AM-FM/CD/MP3 player.

Although a bit down on power, the handling and chassis more than make up for it. I love the stiff ride and the grippy high performance tires.

I compete in Autocross (Fully legal parking lot racing against the clock) with the car and it is mildly modified (synthetic gear oil, cold air intake, stainless exhaust, bigger rear sway bar, racing brake pads, ultra high performance summer tires, etc.) so I do put more wear and tear on the car than most and it has held up beautifully.

3rd Jan 2005, 18:29

I just got a Protege5 a few weeks ago (it's a 2002), though the warranty is expired because it was purchased in 2001.

I bought the car because the design is superior to that of the Civic, and it is a little cheaper. The tight suspension is also nice. Right now the car is perfect (knock on wood) with only 15K miles on it.

But I've been reading that a lot of people are having problems with the clutch chatter. My clutch feels very smooth so far, but I'm afraid it will start acting up and I won't have money to replace it.

Do all P5's have that problem or are there some that are flawed and some are OK?